Paul Merson has predicted that Liverpool will beat Chelsea when the two sides meet on Sunday.
The Reds play host to the Blues in a match that many will view as their most difficult challenge left to face in the title run in, and Sky pundit Merson believes they can get a positive result.
Speaking to the Sky Sports News, he said: “I’m not sure if Eden Hazard’s going to play as the Europa League is a massive competition for Chelsea.
“For the manager, winning that competition is bigger for him than getting into the top four – for a manager who’s never won anything before.
“This is a big opportunity for [Maurizio] Sarri so it’s a question of what team gets set up for Chelsea. If Chelsea play their full team, and don’t worry about next Thursday, this will be game on – no question about that – but I’m just going to go for Liverpool.
“Liverpool are going to get nervous. They’ve not won the league in 29 years, and everyone in the city is talking about it, so there’s bound to be nerves. If they can get this game out of the way, Man City will have to do it the hard way.”
Merson predicts a 2-1 win for Liverpool.
OPINION
This will be viewed by many as the hardest test Liverpool have left to face, and they will feel that if they cn come out the other side of it unscathed, the pressure it will apply on Manchester City could be vital to any hopes they have a lifting a first title in 29 years. Chelsea are a temperamental side, and depending on their frame of mind, they could make this very difficult or very simple for the Reds. If it’s the Chelsea that rolled over 6-0 against City earlier this year then happy days, but if it’s the Chelsea that are capable of beating anybody on their day, then this could get very complicate very quickly. The key could be an early goal. The longer Chelsea stay in the game, the more fraught things will become, and you cold easily see Liverpool panicking and fluffing their lines. If they can keep it together, however, and strike early, this could be a very comfortable afternoon at Anfield.
